In today’s technologically driven world, touch screen technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. From smartphones and tablets to interactive kiosks and laptops, touch screens have transformed the way we interact with digital devices. Among the various touch screen technologies available, “Optical Touch Screen Technology” stands out as a significant advancement that has revolutionized user experiences in numerous applications. In this blog post, we will explore the workings, advantages, applications, and future possibilities of Optical Touch Screen Technology.
What is an Optical touchscreen?
Optical touchscreen is a type of touchscreen that uses infrared light to detect touch input. It is characterized by the use of image sensors and infrared (IR) lights to detect touch commands.
How does an optical touchscreen work?
It uses infrared light to detect touch input. Two or more image sensors are placed around the edges of the screen, and infrared backlights are placed on the opposite side of the screen. When a finger or other object touches the screen, it blocks some of the infrared light from reaching the sensors. The sensors then calculate the location of the touch by using triangulation.
Here is a more detailed description of how optical imaging touchscreens work:
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The sensors
Optical imaging touchscreens use two or more image sensors to detect touch input. These sensors are typically CMOS sensors, which are very sensitive to light. The sensors are placed around the edges of the screen, so that they have a good view of the entire screen.
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The backlights
Infrared backlights are placed on the opposite side of the screen from the sensors. These backlights emit infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye. The infrared light is reflected off of the screen, and the sensors detect the reflected light.
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The triangulation
When a finger or other object touches the screen, it blocks some of the infrared light from reaching the sensors. The sensors then calculate the location of the touch by using triangulation. Triangulation is a method of determining the location of an object by measuring the angles at which it is visible from two or more points.
In the case of optical imaging touchscreens, the two points are the sensors. The sensors measure the angles at which the infrared light is blocked by the object, and then they use these angles to calculate the location of the object.
The location of the touch is then sent to the touchscreen controller, which interprets the touch and takes the appropriate action. For example, if the touch is a tap, the touchscreen controller might open an app or start a function.
Advantages
Here are some of the advantages of optical imaging touchscreens:
- High accuracy: They are very accurate, even with multiple touches. This is because they use triangulation to calculate the location of the touch, which is a very precise method.
- Durability: They are very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This is because they do not rely on any physical contact between the object and the screen.
- Multi-touch: They can support multi-touch, which means that you can use multiple fingers to interact with the screen at the same time. This is useful for tasks such as zooming and panning.
- Works with any object: Optical imaging touchscreens can be used with any type of object, including fingers, styluses, and gloves. This makes them very versatile and accessible to a wide range of users.
- Good light transmittance: Optical imaging touchscreens have good light transmittance, which means that they do not block a lot of light from reaching the screen. This results in crisp, clear images.
Disadvantages
- Cost: They can be more expensive than other types of touchscreens. This is because they require more complex hardware and software.
- Size: They are not as compact as other types of touchscreens. This is because they require the image sensors and backlights to be placed around the edges of the screen.
- Interference: They can be more susceptible to interference from bright lights. This is because the infrared light is reflected off of the screen, and bright lights can interfere with the reflection.
- Accuracy: The accuracy of optical touch screens can be affected by the surface of the screen. If the screen is not smooth, the sensors may not be able to accurately detect the touch.
Future of Optical Touch Screen Technology
The future of this technology looks promising. As the technology continues to develop, it is likely to become more affordable, compact, and accurate. This will make it a more viable option for a wider range of devices.
In addition, the development of new applications for optical imaging touchscreens is also expected to drive growth in the market. For example, optical imaging touchscreens are being used in self-service kiosks, retail displays, and industrial control panels. As these applications become more widespread, the demand for these touchscreens is likely to increase.
Conclusion
Optical touchscreen technology is a versatile and reliable type of touch that offers a number of advantages over other types of touchscreens. It is well-suited for a wide range of applications, and it is likely to become more popular in the future.
Note: You can also read our What is an Infrared Touch Screen?
